The warm days, vineyard views, and swirling glasses can only mean one thing wine tasting season has officially begun in Stellenbosch. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned sipper, wine tasting is more than just drinking; it’s an experience that connects people to the land, the vines, and the story behind every bottle. But what exactly is wine tasting, and how can you make the most of it?
Visit the wildlife of Africa without leaving Stellenbosch
Posted on Thu May 7, 2015.
Explore the wonders of African wildlife, reptiles and insects by stopping by at these wonderful, educational sanctuaries just a short drive away from our guesthouse in the heart of Stellenbosch.
Giraffe House
Visiting the Giraffe House Wildlife Awareness Centre is a great way to educate yourself and your family on Africa’s most amazing animals and birds. The most prominent member is Gerry, a hand reared giraffe that reaches almost 6m in height. Along with Gerry, you can meet his zebra, warthog and crocodile friends who are also part of the wildlife programme.
Butterfly World
From mammals to the wonderful world of insects and reptiles, Butterfly World is a popular stop on the way to Stellenbosch. This unique place is home to free flying exotic butterflies from all over the world, such as Costa Rica, Malaysia and China. They are flown in as pupae and then released into the tropical garden within a 1000 m green house that makes Butterfly World such a must-visit destination. Not only are there multi-coloured butterflies to look at, but five other sections to visit including the free roaming marmosets, tropical parrots, enclosed snakes, lizards and other reptiles as well as an outdoor section with meerkat and tortoise.
Lions at Vredenheim
Found conveniently on the scenic Vredenheim Estate, you can encounter the best of the big cats –lion, cheetah, leopard and tiger— and still be able to enjoy a wine tasting and gourmet lunch afterward. The park has been open since 2011, after the former owners (who were previously big game farmers) felt that the public needed to be educated about these astounding animals. Visitors will be delighted to observe the big cats as they happily frolic in large enclosures and there is even a pool for summery days that prove cats can swim. At present, the park is home to both brown and white lions and cubs, two Bengal tigers, a leopard, caracal and cheetah. Please note that Vredenheim has acquired these animals through approved breeding programmes and is a cruelty-free sanctuary.
Find out more about Stellenbosch here.
Image credit:
http://thegreatadventurer.com
www.butterflyworld.co.za
www.groupon.co.za
vredenheim.co.za
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Further Reading
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Soetmelksvlei is a meticulously recreated 1890s Cape farmstead located on the Babylonstoren estate between Paarl and Franschhoek in the Western Cape. Opened in mid-2024, this immersive experience transports visitors back to 1897, showcasing the self-sufficient lifestyle of Boland farmers during that era.
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When we think about wine tasting in Stellenbosch, we often imagine rolling vineyards, elegant tasting rooms, and the clink of glasses under ancient oaks. But behind the scenes, some wine farms are doing more than just crafting world-class wines—they’re helping to regenerate the earth. Welcome to the world of regenerative farming and biodynamic wine growing, where sustainability isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a way of life. And the best part? You can...
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